Position Summary
Experience the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest as a member of the SCA Okanogan-Wenatchee NF Invasive & Restoration Crew. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest covers a large and diverse landscape, encompassing 3.8 million acres along the east slopes of the Cascade Range in Washington with headquarters in Wenatchee, Washington. This is a 4-person crew (one leader and three crew members) serving 14 weeks to conduct invasives surveys, invasives control, and native plant improvement projects. Crew members in these positions will qualify for AmeriCorps, the hosting forest will provide campgrounds or other suitable housing.
Location
Wenatchee, WA
Schedule
May 17, 2026 - August 22, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Engage as a crew member to promote healthy group dynamics and promote effective and productive teamwork. Serve variable hours (long days and/or weekend), at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, in varying weather conditions, and under physically demanding circumstances. Live and serve with the same crew for the duration of the season. Use field tools (shovels, Pulaski’s, backpack herbicide sprayers, etc.) to conduct invasives control. Be an active and participatory corps member – attend all training and service days, and participate in weekly chores around the program base and base camp. Take on role of Hitch Leader for at least one hitch, serving as a professional liaison with park managers, handling the logistics of a project, delegating responsibilities, developing emergency response plans, and completing all necessary paperwork. Be an active and participatory member of the crew, Forest and Parks, and AmeriCorps Community. Comply with all SCA and AmeriCorps policies and refrain from any prohibited activities. Perform outdoor conservation projects, 85% Participate in training opportunities, 15% Position is physically demanding and will require some evening and weekend work Corps members are encouraged to develop a connection and build SCA's relationships with the local community through volunteer activities and interaction with the local non-profits and the general public. Represent SCA in a positive manner.
Marginal Duties
Assist in travel planning, data collection, and team logistics support; Non-routine tool and gear maintenance; If eligible, may drive the SCA vehicle for team support;
Required Qualifications
Interest and investment in leadership development and teamwork is required. Commitment to living and serving within an intensive crew environment; interpersonal skills and community living experience are pluses. Ability to work both independently and with a team. Ability to identify native and non-native plant species using field guides and dichotomous keys. Additional training provided. Ability to carry and load up to 50 lb. bags of seed, and to carry 20-lb lawn seeders. Ability to work and hike in rugged terrain in field conditions in both heat and cold. To be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member: Be a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States. Be at least 18 years or older. Have a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to obtain one. Be willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks. SCA Driver Eligibility: 21+ years old 3+ years Licensed Driving Experience Pass Motor Vehicle Record Check Complete SCA Driver Training Ability to operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle safely across rugged roads. Ability to pass SCA’s background check. This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous camping and backpacking experience is helpful. Excellent organization, verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills are required. Working within a team setting for a common goal is critical as well as being able to work independently. Applicants should have the desire to spend extended periods of time in natural settings and be prepared to manage the mental and physical rigors of extended periods of time outdoors.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Crews will be camping in tents while in the field during their service. A program vehicle and trailer will be provided to the crew, and the vehicle will be driven by the SCA Project Leader and any Corps Member who is 21+ and successfully completes SCA’s Drivers Training. During field season, members should expect to be traveling with their crew throughout the entirety of the season and living in basecamp settings with access to facilities for laundry and showers.
Compensation
$650 round-trip travel allowance (paid 1/2 in first paycheck, 1/2 in the last paycheck); $500 weekly living allowance; Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for completion of 450-hour service term - $1,956.35; All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Meals: Provided all season Gear: Group camping gear, like tents, stoves, and filters, are provided Uniform Package: Includes daypack, work shirts, water bladder and more! You’ll also receive: Conservation work skills training, Wilderness First Aid/CPR certification, Plant ID training, Herbicide use training, Defensive driver training, if eligible Trailer driving training, if eligible All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Not needed
Additional Benefits
Bear Safety
Defensive Drive Training
First Aid/CPR
Wilderness First Aid Training
AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
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